Cars Revs Up Big at Box Office with Record-Breaking Re-Release

The 20th anniversary re-release of Pixar's Cars has broken records at the box office. The film, which originally came out in 2006, earned $462 million worldwide and launched one of Pixar's most enduring franchises. This year's re-release pulled in $2.2 million on its opening Friday alone, with analysts projecting a $6 to $8 million opening weekend.

This is an impressive achievement for a film that's two decades old. Disney went all out for the anniversary, hosting Route 66 centennial screenings at historic drive-ins across the country and setting up life-size Lightning McQueen displays at Formula 1 in Monza, Italy. A limited edition Lightning McQueen popcorn bucket was also released through the Disney Store.

The Cars franchise has a special place in the hearts of many Disney fans. The film's themed area, Cars Land, remains one of the most immersive and beloved areas in any Disney park. And with the upcoming release of Piston Peak National Park at Magic Kingdom, it seems that the appetite for all things Cars is very much alive.

A brand new preschool series called Cars: Lightning Racers is set to debut on Disney Junior in 2027, featuring Owen Wilson and Larry the Cable Guy returning to voice their beloved characters. For families with young children just discovering Lightning McQueen and Mater for the first time, the timing could not be more perfect.